What separates a film-maker from an auteur is that films should not be a simple re-telling of an established story, that is what Truffaut describes as a “metteur en scene”, someone who simply dresses the scene rather than providing a unique creative input. Therefore in Truffaut’s perception, what makes an auteur is someone who has a unique and creative style and has a specific vision in the film in which they wish to create.
George Lucas
George Lucas falls under this category in the fact that his Star Wars franchise was of his own unique creation and how he had a specific vision in what his galaxy far far away was going to be viewed by the audience, however he does not use innovative cinematic techniques. However Peter Wollen talks of the director being a catalyst and utilises all key aspects of film techniques to create a specific theme or motif, which Lucas does, using the advancement in computer and CGI technology to create his specific vision, which was primarily used with the final 3 Star Wars films from 1999 onwards and used in the 2004 re-release of the original trilogy.
EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE
Episode IV: A New Hope is a cultural phenomenon in the sense that Lucas utilises basic technology, primarily models of star-ships and moon bases to create a new perception in science-fiction, which until then had been of poor creation and execution in film-making. The infamous attack on the Death Star in the film’s final act using these methods made the experience more exhilarating and able to capture the audience, making them feel that they were witnessing something truly amazing.
Creating humanoid aliens such as C-3PO, Chewbacca and Darth Vader with elaborate costume and make-up, along with utilising model sets, Lucas is successfully able to make a film that appears to not only look as if it is set in the future, but make a film appear timeless.
EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE
Episode I: The Phantom Menace is the first of the franchise in which Lucas is fully able to show the audience his vision using CGI, many of the establishing shots of planets in the film such as Naboo, Tatooine and Coruscant are shot at an extremely wide angle to showcase the full spectacle of the planet.
This allows action scenes, such as the pod race on Tatooine and the final battle against the Trade Federation more spectacular and engaging to the audience.
EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH
By the final instalment Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Lucas has been able to combine both visual amazement with classic storytelling as not only does Lucas visually capture and engage the audience with spectacular scenes such as the opening battle, to the montage of the Jedi Knights being massacred but also capturing the human story, enforced through composing, Lucas is able to show how Anakin succumbs to the dark side, ultimately becoming Darth Vader, a character that he is destined to become.
So by creating a world that millions of fans has embraced, engaged and understood must be signs that George Lucas has a specific vision “style” that captures the imagination of the audience and takes us on an adventure of a lifetime!
BIBLIOGRAPHY/REFERENCES: For more information on Star Wars History visit here.
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